Made in America

Masterworks 6

ANDREW GRAMS
former Asst. Conductor, Cleveland Orchestra
Biography >

WILLIAM WOLFRAM
piano
Biography >

One of the creators of the first "American Sound," George Gershwin's jazzy Piano Concerto launches with power that builds its potency to a thrilling finale. His Concerto, though traditionally orchestrated, was infused with tinges of the jazz that made Gershwin famous. The soloist for this masterpiece is the "tall and powerfully built" pianist William Wolfram. Hailed as having the technique to match his size, Wolfram is an exciting choice for this concerto.

Infused with inspiration from Jazz and other American music, Boston composer Irving Fine's Toccata Concertante is a perfect complement to Gershwin. Dvorák, a Czech composer, was so moved by his trip to America, that he wrote his Symphony "From the New World." Nearly every theme from this incredible Symphony is famous. Indeed, the ravishing second movement was turned into a popular ballad, "Coming Home." Bringing a fresh perspective to these American classics is young conductor and Juilliard-trained violinist Andrew Grams. He has made waves across the music world and guest conducted many major orchestras across the globe.

The Tamiami Sinfonietta, composed by Gregory Smith, was the result of the Sarasota Orchestra’s Student Composer Project and nearly nine months of careful planning and hard work. This symphonic work is based on melodies composed by students from four Manatee and Sarasota elementary schools.

I’m still floored to have an orchestra play my music. I tried to imagine how it might feel to be a fifth grader in a similar position. It’s a big deal and one that I hope fosters further interest in music, and maybe even in creating it.

- Composer Gregory Smith

Program